Saturday, December 10th the Coyotes played the Motley County Matadors in the state finals match-up at Abilene’s Shotwell stadium. The Coyotes repeated as back-to-back state champions with a 76-28 victory. Success brings awards and recognition. Here are some of the recognitions the Coyotes are receiving. At the December 12th San Saba County Commissioners’ meeting, County Judge Byron Theodosis presented a PROCLAMATION recognizing the Coyotes as STATE CHAMPS AND HOMETOWN HEROS. This past Thursday, Sgt. Wyrick presented the Army Strong Team Award to the Richland Springs Coyotes football team for their accomplishments. The Richland Springs Coyotes are already represented in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, including pictures of the 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2010 state champion Coyote teams. A new book will be forthcoming this fall that will feature the Richland Springs Coyotes. Author Rick Sherrod, Ph. D., from Stephenville, Texas, is in the final stages of preparing a new book, Texas High School Football Dynasties. Mr. Sherrod hopes to publish the work coincident with the kickoff of next year’s 2012 high school football season. Obviously, with its storied football program, the Richland Springs High School’s team will be one of the teams Rick Sherrod will be featuring. Congratulations to the players and coaches on another successful season.Girls basketball coach Pam Starr and the Lady Coyotes are off to a 7-6 start. The next varsity basketball action will be a game vs. the Menard Yellowjackets in the Coyote Gym on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Both varsity boys’ and girls’ teams will play on January 3rd. The Richland Springs junior high teams will play Thursday, January 5, 2012 against the Cherokee Indians at the Coyote Gym. Come out and support our young athletes in UIL competition.The annual student Semester Awards/Christmas Program held in the cafetorium was a huge success. A good time was had by all. Congratulations to the elementary and junior high UIL participants and winners. The Christmas songs sung by the elementary students filled the room with the Joy of Christmas. The Christmas holidays will soon be upon us. First semester exams are history. Classes resume for students on January 3, 2012. The spring semester brings preparations for state mandated testing. Education is a key to future success. Those that are prepared will increase their opportunities in life’s journeys. If you make the effort to prepare for academic success, it will come.The faculty and staff at Richland Springs wish everyone a safe and blessed Christmas holiday season and a Happy New Year!We have a great community, students, teachers and staff. It looks to be a great year at Richland Springs.Community involvement is the key to our success!